Peugeot 2008 review

Is the Peugeot 2008 a good car?

The Peugeot 2008 stands out in the hotly contested compact crossover and small SUV segment, thanks in no small part to extravagant styling that’s been made even bolder after a facelift. Its eye-catching looks are backed up by a well-built cabin, a decent amount of boot space, and surprisingly refined motorway manners. 

Frankly, you could do much worse than the 2008 when choosing from the smorgasbord of small SUVs on offer today. However, some rivals are more fun to drive, while others are more practical. The 2008 is priced against premium competitors, which could be a further sticking point for customers seeking value. It also features Peugeot’s divisive i-Cockpit cabin design, which doesn’t suit everyone.

How much does the Peugeot 2008 cost? 

The Peugeot 2008 is the French firm’s supermini-sized SUV, and starts from £28,500, rising to £31,000 for the hybrid, and £34,500 for the electric model. 

The second generation 2008 arrived to great acclaim in 2019. In the years that followed, the 2008 became one of Peugeot’s best-selling cars, even topping the list of Europe's best-selling crossovers in 2021, before being given a facelift in 2023 that included a new front end incorporating Peugeot's refreshed company logo and latest three-bar lighting signature.

The 2008 is based on the Stellantis group’s CMP small-car platform, which also serves as the base for the Peugeot 208 supermini, along with the Citroën C4 and Citroën C4 X, DS 3, Jeep Avenger, Vauxhall Corsa and Vauxhall Mokka.

The 2008’s engine range isn’t as extensive as some of its rivals, as buyers have a choice of either a 1.2-litre PureTech petrol engine with or without a hybrid system, or the pure-electric Peugeot E-2008. The entry-level 128bhp petrol engine in the 2008 will cover most needs, and it is paired with either a manual gearbox in Allure trim, or an eight-speed automatic with the top-spec GT. Meanwhile, the electric E-2008 offers an official range of 250 miles, and a smoother driving experience than any of the petrol-powered models. If you can’t afford the jump in price between the petrol and electric versions, the hybrid offers lower fuel costs for a smaller financial outlay.

Both petrol and all-electric models are available across the Allure and GT trim levels. All models have a 10-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, DAB radio, front and rear parking sensors, climate control, and 17-inch alloy wheels. Top-of-the-range GT trim adds a wireless phone charging pad, keyless entry and go, full LED headlights, a reversing camera, and ambient interior lighting.

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From the start, you’ll realise that the Peugeot 2008 isn’t the sharpest-handling small SUV. That honour still goes to the Ford Puma, which feels far more rewarding and confidence-inspiring to drive.

What is the Peugeot 2008 like to drive?

In town

Around town, the 2008's light steering makes it a great car for low-speed manoeuvres. We’ve noticed that petrol automatics have a strange vibration through the interior if you try to reverse park while controlling your speed with the brakes.

The ride can be a little fidgety at low speeds, with the Renault Captur offering much better cushioning from potholes and speed bumps

On A- and B-roads

At higher speeds, the 2008 has a decent level of grip to enable you to carry some momentum along a twisty B road. But hit a mid-corner bump, and it can be knocked off your chosen line because the suspension is unable to dampen the initial blow.

Body lean is much more pronounced than in a Puma or an Audi Q2, both of which provide a much more settled driving experience. The electric Peugeot E-2008, with its weighty battery pack mounted low in the car along the floor, does help to counteract the lean of the standard car, although it still isn’t the most agile of its kind to drive.

Weird gear selector shape aside, the auto is great to use, shifting smoothly once on the move. In recent times, Peugeot’s manual gearboxes have been vague and rubbery, but the unit in the 2008 is a significant improvement. It’s still not as joyous to use as the manual gearboxes we’ve used in the Puma or Mazda CX-30, but it does the job.

On the motorway

Hit the motorway, and the fidgety low speed ride settles down. Despite a little door mirror-induced wind whistle at 70mph, refinement is impressive overall, with low road noise levels.

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0-62mph acceleration and top speed

The 128bhp 1.2-litre petrol is our preferred version of 2008, with an acceleration time of 9.7 seconds and a top speed of 122mph. The 1.2 hybrid with 134bhp is presently the quickest 2008, with a 0-62mph time of 8.3 seconds, and it can continue up to a top speed of 128mph.

The electric E-2008 range starts with the 134bhp model, but its heavy 50kWh battery means it isn’t as quick as the hybrid, needing 9.8 seconds to get to 62mph. The more powerful 154bhp version cuts this time down to 9.1 seconds. Both electric models have a top speed of 93mph.

The most efficient Peugeot 2008 is the Hybrid 136 version, which returns up to 62.1mpg and emissions as low as 102g/km. That’s followed by the 129bhp petrol model, which in six-speed manual form achieves 52.7mpg and 125g/km, while pairing that engine with the automatic transmission drops the figures to up to 48.9mpg and 133g/km. 

The regular PureTech petrol engines compare well with rivals, while the mild-hybrid adds a small electric motor that provides some low-speed electric driving potential, or a short burst of electrical assistance when accelerating to reduce the load on the engine, helping to save fuel and reduce emissions.

Electric range, battery and charging

The standard E-2008 uses a 50kWh battery (47.7kWh useable), which provides up to 214 miles of electric range, plus there’s a larger capacity 54kWh (50.8kWh useable) alternative with an increased maximum range to 250 miles – around 16 miles further than the base Hyundai Kona Electric can cover on a charge. Fully recharging both battery sizes using a standard 7kW home wallbox takes just over 7.5 hours, while a 10 to 80 per cent takes around 30 minutes from a 100kW rapid charger.

Tax

Rivals with hybrid power, like the Toyota Yaris Cross and Renault Captur E-Tech, offer higher fuel efficiency and produce less CO2, which means they also have the added benefit of lower Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) company car tax rates. Of course, if you’re interested in a 2008 to run as a company car, the all-electric Peugeot E-2008 may be the one to go for because, like all EVs, it currently attracts a mere two per cent BiK rate.

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Insurance groups

The 2008 has slightly higher-than-average insurance group ratings compared with rivals. The least expensive 128bhp Allure petrol sits in group 16 – five groups higher than the base Yaris Cross and six groups higher than the entry-level SEAT Arona.

The hybrid 2008 lands in group 23, while the entry-level E-2008 sits in group 26. In contrast, a 1.0-litre 155 Ford Puma Titanium with 153bhp receives a much lower group 14 rating.

Depreciation

Residual values for the petrol and hybrid versions of the second-generation Peugeot 2008 are running behind its closest rival the Ford Puma, according to our expert data. After three years and 36,000 miles of ownership, the 2008 is expected to maintain between 46 to 47 per cent of its original value, while the Puma should hold on to between 51 to 53 per cent over the same time period.

The all-electric E-2008 is only predicted to be worth 37-38 per cent of its original value after three years, however. This is very disappointing compared to the Kia EV3, which should be worth between 50 to 53 per cent of its original value over the same time frame.

To get an accurate valuation for a specific model, check out our free car valuation tool...

The latest Peugeot 2008 looks far more distinctive than the somewhat bland-looking original 2008, with a chiselled shoulder line, blocky silhouette, and distinctive front end dominated by LED lights. A facelift in 2023 has only enhanced its appearance, making it look more like a concept car that someone accidentally let out of Peugeot's vault. It incorporates Peugeot's shield logo, plus the same three-bar lighting signature that also features on the facelifted Peugeot 208 supermini, with the vertical LEDs integrated into gloss-black inserts in the front bumper. 

All versions feature a vertical grille pattern in the same colour as the car's bodywork. The 2008’s three-claw LED tail-lights have also been tweaked. There’s no denying the 2008 is an eye-catching car, which helps it stand out in the bloated small SUV segment, and we’re sure has allowed it to be sold on looks alone a good many times.

What is the Peugeot 2008 like inside?

Inside, the 2008’s interior design, although a little quirky and very gloomy in our opinion, offers superb levels of quality for the class and puts most of its rivals, like the Ford Puma, in the shade. Sadly, there aren’t any physical climate controls, so if you want to change the temperature or adjust the fan speed, you’ll have to delve into the central touchscreen. The piano-style keys below the screen only cover limited functions or controls that have to have a physical button by law, such as the hazard warning lights.

Other highlights include Peugeot’s i-Cockpit layout, although you’ll need an Allure and above to get it with the configurable digital dash display. The digital display is similar to Audi’s Virtual Cockpit in that you can change the layout from traditional dials to displaying various trip or driving assistance screens, or – as we’ve found particularly useful – show sat-nav directions on a map. Switching between screens isn’t as easy as in an Audi, and there’s no full map-view option, either. 

However, some individuals might find it hard to see the dials, as Peugeot’s i-Cockpit setup also includes a small flat-bottomed steering wheel that you should look over to read the instruments rather than through it. When we tested the 2008, it took us a long time to find a natural-feeling driving position that didn’t involve having the steering wheel basically in our lap, but even then, we couldn’t see the dials fully. The setup won’t suit all, so we’d recommend trying a 2008 first before buying.

What is the interior quality like?

While the striking design and layout of the 2008 interior is what hits you first, once you’re settled you’ll start to notice that many of the areas you frequently come in contact with have a premium feel to them, putting some distance between this Peugeot and the rather disappointing insides of the Ford Puma and Volkswagen T-Cross. You will still find some cheaper plastics used, but these are in less obvious places, such as the lower door cards and glovebox lid.

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Sat-nav, stereo and infotainment

Every 2008 now features a 10-inch central touchscreen display with Bluetooth, a DAB radio, plus wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity to run your own audio and navigation apps. In-built sat-nav is an option for all versions. 

You’ll need to upgrade to Allure or GT trim to get a screen with high-definition graphics, and the upgraded screen is more visually appealing, the operating system itself is very laggy, often using swipe transitions to cover up the thinking time the car needs when you tap to enter a menu. Ultimately, it’s nowhere near as slick as the setups in rivals such as the Hyundai Kona. 

Top-of-the-range GT variants also feature a 3D version of the i-Cockpit digital driver display, which looks very modern, but It’s more of a gimmick than a genuinely useful feature. A wireless smartphone charging pad is available as an option on mid-range Allure trim, and comes as standard on GT.

One of the key downsides to the Peugeot 2008’s styling is that access to the rear is difficult. The sills are high, so you have to climb in over them and, to compound things, you then find the low roofline requires you to stoop in order to get in – rather annoying for anyone strapping children into car seats, for example. Buyers needing frequent access to the rear seats should consider the Hyundai Kona or Skoda Kamiq.

Front and rear parking sensors are standard on every model, while GT trim provides a reversing camera. A 360-degree camera system is available as an option, as is blind spot monitoring to warn you of approaching vehicles along your flanks.

Dimensions and Size

The Peugeot 2008 measures 4,300mm long, 1,770mm wide and 1,550mm tall, making it slightly longer than the Ford Puma (4,207mm), but not quite so wide. The Renault Captur sits between the two, measuring 4,227mm in length.

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How practical is the Peugeot 2008?

Seats & space in the front

If you do manage to find a comfortable driving position (as discussed on the previous page), the 2008 has plenty of head, leg, and shoulder room, although visibility isn’t great – making the front and rear parking sensors of mid-range Allure a must. Larger individuals may find that the small steering wheel and tiny pedals can make you feel like a gorilla behind the wheel. 

Peugeot hasn’t forgotten basic practicalities, though. There’s still a good level of storage, with cubbies, trays and bins dotted around to hold gadgets and various other items. We particularly like the covered smartphone tray, as it stops you from getting distracted by notifications.

Seats & space in the back

The 2008 doesn’t offer as much room in the back as a Kona or a Kamiq. While it does boast a surprising amount of headroom, legroom isn’t as generous, so it’s not great for ferrying around adults. It’s a shame the 2008 doesn’t feature a sliding rear bench like you get in the Captur, because that would allow rear passengers the option of greater legroom at the expense of some boot space. There’s also a large hump in the floor that eats up rear passenger foot space, so the 2008 is better suited for carrying four people, rather than five. 

The 2008 comes as standard with two sets of ISOFIX mounting points – both located on the outer positions of the rear seats.

Boot Space

The Peugeot 2008 offers 434 litres of boot space, which is decent, but beaten by the Kona, which offers 466 litres. Folding the 2008’s rear seats gives you a total of 1,467 litres of boot space to play with. With its 456-litre boot, the Ford Puma also trumps the 2008 and includes a hidden storage compartment called the ‘Megabox’. 

The Captur has 12 litres less than the 2008, but as we mentioned, its sliding rear bench seat allows owners to prioritise either boot space or passenger room. Utilise this function by sliding the bench all the way forward, and there are 536 litres on offer, which puts the 2008 at a distinct disadvantage once again.

On a more positive note, all versions come with a variable-height boot floor, which reduces the liftover height and removes the awkward step when the rear seats are folded down.

Towing

All PureTech petrol-powered 2008s have a maximum braked trailer weight of 1,200kg which should be enough to tow a small caravan. The additional weight of the battery, electric motor, and six-speed dual-clutch gearbox of the Hybrid version reduces this version's towing capacity to 1,100kg. 

Like many smaller electric vehicles, Peugeot does not quote towing weights for the E-2008.

The Peugeot 2008 finished in eighth place out of our 50 entrant list of the best cars to own, based on the results of the 2024 Driver Power owner satisfaction survey. It didn’t manage to beat the previous generation Dacia Duster, which took top honours, but the 2008 finished two positions higher than the best-selling Ford Puma (10th), and comfortably beat the SEAT Arona (26th) and Nissan Juke (28th). 

As a brand, Peugeot has improved upon its 2023 score to place sixth out of 32 manufacturers, behind Korean rival Kia, but ahead of Nissan, Skoda, SEAT, Vauxhall, VW, and Renault.  

Euro NCAP tested the overall safety of the second-generation 2008 in 2019 and awarded it a four-star rating for cars without the safety plus pack, and the full five stars when equipped with it. The more advanced autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system that Allure and GT models get can spot cars, pedestrians and other vulnerable road users, such as cyclists at night, whereas the Active has a basic version of this which can’t do that.

Other standard safety kit includes driver attention alert, lane keep assistance, traffic sign recognition and rear parking sensors. Higher-spec models also get front parking sensors and a reversing camera, while adaptive cruise control and blind spot detection are also available as options.

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Warranty

The Peugeot 2008 has a two-year/unlimited mileage warranty from the factory and an extra year from the dealer, adding up to three years. That matches the industry standard, although it can't match Kia’s seven-year cover and Toyota's ten-year package.

Servicing

Petrol-powered 2008s need servicing every 12 months or 12,500 miles, while the Hybrid version still needs an annual service, but can go 16,000 miles between visits.

The electric E-2008 requires an initial service after 12 months or 8,000 miles, whichever comes first, then every two years or every 16,000 miles after that. 

Peugeot offers fixed-price servicing packages to help spread the cost of scheduled maintenance, starting with a three-year/30,000-mile policy that costs around £20 per month for petrol cars, or roughly £11 per month for electric ones.

What do owners think?

Here is what owners thought of the Peugeot 2008 in the 2024 Driver Power customer satisfaction survey.

Peugeot 2008 alternatives

The Peugeot 2008 will appeal to those looking for a smart-looking and premium-feeling small SUV that is well-equipped and has a wide range of engine options. The addition of a mild-hybrid version helps provide a more fuel-efficient choice to challenge the full hybrid Honda HR-V, Hyundai Kona, and Toyota Yaris Cross – although the latter is more efficient than the 2008. 

There’s also an all-electric model to take on the Hyundai Kona Electric, which will suit company car drivers hoping to keep their tax bills low, and it offers respectable electric range and relatively rapid charging speeds. However, the E-2008 is beaten overall range by our preferred 65kWh version of Kona Electric.

The quirky i-Cockpit interior layout of the 2008 won’t suit everyone, and it’s quite small in the back, which might lead parents towards the more spacious Kona or versatile Renault Captur. It also isn’t particularly fun to drive, so those coming at this from a regular supermini may want to look at the sharper-handling Ford Puma instead. Those looking for value will be better off with the Dacia Duster, while the Skoda Kamiq is a great all-rounder.

Used and nearly new

The Peugeot 2008’s timeline starts in 2013, around a year after the Peugeot 208 supermini it’s closely related to first went on sale. Across both generations of Peugeot 2008, the car has offered a blend of sharp styling, agile handling and a comfortable ride. The Peugeot 2008 Mk2 saw the small SUV move further upmarket than its predecessor, which, while giving the car a more premium feel, also made it a pricier buy.

Peugeot 2008 history

Peugeot 2008 Mk2: 2019-present

The second-generation Peugeot 2008 Mk2 built upon the foundations of its predecessor: practicality and interior build quality were improved, and the looks were more striking this time around. Like the Mk1 model, the Peugeot 2008 Mk2 had close ties to the Peugeot 208, so the two cars featured similar interior tech and features. The powertrain options were similar, too, consisting of petrol and diesel engines (the latter disappeared in 2022 due to poor sales) and – for the first time in a Peugeot 2008 – a pure-electric option.

Peugeot 2008 Mk1: 2013-2019

The Peugeot 2008 Mk1 went on sale in 2013 and was billed as the higher-riding equivalent of the Peugeot 208. While the two cars share many parts, the 2008 Mk1 is bigger and more spacious than the 208, and comes with more equipment as standard. Engine options consist of various petrol and diesel engines, and all Peugeot 2008 Mk1s are front-wheel drive. Read our full Mk1 Peugeot 2008 buyer’s guide here…

Peugeot E-2008 long-term test

Our deputy editor, Richard Ingram, was mostly pleased with the Peugeot E-2008’s performance as an efficient runaround, but he couldn’t help but feel that the overall space was rather limited for family duties. The Peugeot’s average real-world efficiency of 4.0mi/kWh is respectable enough for a car of this size, but the lack of any range readout on the dashboard was a consistent cause of frustration. You can read the full long-term test here...